Gas vs Electric Dryer Calculator
Compare variable energy spending for electric and gas clothes drying. Separate kWh and therm prices produce annual cost estimates for the same load count.
How the result changes
Only electricity per load changes; all other inputs stay at your current values. The line illustrates the formula across the shown range. This is not a forecast of real-world outcomes.
About this calculation
An electric dryer and a gas dryer consume different energy units, so comparing their raw kWh and therm readings directly is misleading. This calculator prices each option per load, scales it to annual loads, and shows the difference. Compare gas vs electric dryer when comparing household options.
Formula
annual energy cost = energy per load × unit energy price × annual loads, separately for each dryer
Worked example
With Electricity per load: 3 kWh/load, Electricity price: 0.2 currency units/kWh, Gas per load: 0.25 therm/load, Gas price: 1.5 currency units/therm, Loads per year: 200 loads, electric annual energy cost is 120.00 currency units.
Inputs and units
Enter electricity in kWh per load and natural gas in therms per load, each with its matching monetary unit price. Use the same number of comparable loads for both dryers, and include any electric use by the gas dryer in a separate estimate if material.
- Electricity per load (kWh/load): Use measured or rated electricity for one comparable drying load.
- Electricity price (currency units/kWh): Use the relevant price for purchased electricity.
- Gas per load (therm/load): Use gas use per drying load in therms for the gas dryer.
- Gas price (currency units/therm): Use the variable natural-gas price per therm.
- Loads per year (loads): Use the same number and size of drying loads for both options.
Calculation and worked example
Multiply electric kWh per load by price per kWh and annual loads. Independently multiply gas therms per load by price per therm and loads. Subtract gas annual cost from electric annual cost for a signed comparison In compact notation, annual energy cost = energy per load × unit energy price × annual loads, separately for each dryer.
At 3 kWh and 0.2 per kWh, electricity costs 0.60 per load. At 0.25 therm and 1.5 per therm, gas costs 0.375. Over 200 loads, annual energy estimates are 120 versus 75, a difference of 45 currency units.
How to use the answer
A positive 'electric minus gas' means the entered gas-energy option is cheaper for the stated usage; a negative value favours electricity. The number does not include equipment purchase, installation, venting, maintenance, or fixed utility charges.
Compare local tariffs or the effects of changing annual laundry volume. If a gas dryer also consumes electricity, add that measured energy cost to the gas scenario before treating this as a complete operating comparison.
Assumptions and checks
Per-load consumption and energy prices remain constant throughout the year, and drying performance is comparable. The model is limited to variable energy cost and does not predict future prices.
A therm is an energy unit, not a gallon or cubic metre of gas. Do not compare 3 kWh directly with 0.25 therm; multiply each by its matching price first.
At zero annual loads, both costs and the difference should be zero. Electric annual cost minus gas annual cost must equal the signed comparison result.
Common questions
What does the electric annual energy cost result represent?
It is the electricity-only variable energy spend for the entered number of loads, before appliance or fixed service costs.
What should I check before relying on this result?
Check appliance-specific per-load consumption, tariff units, gas dryer's electric use, and whether both dryers handle equivalent loads.
Inputs
- Electricity per load (kWh/load)
- Electricity price (currency units/kWh)
- Gas per load (therm/load)
- Gas price (currency units/therm)
- Loads per year (loads)